Celebrating 20 Years of the Cunard Memorial Playground

Mary Frances Jones, Volunteer, Friends of John Howell Park

March 28, 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the Cunard Memorial Playground, a space that has become an essential part of John Howell Memorial Park and a reflection of the Virginia-Highland community’s resilience and care.

Built in 2004, the playground was created in memory of Lisa Cunard and her two young sons, Max and Owen, who were tragically killed when a tree fell on their car during a storm. While its origins are rooted in tragedy, the playground itself stands as a lasting tribute to the family and our neighborhood’s resilience in times of need. In just five months, the community raised over $160,000 and brought together more than 400 volunteers to bring the playground to life. The dedication ceremony on March 28, 2004, was a powerful moment of remembrance and hope, attended by city leaders, neighbors, and then-Mayor Shirley Franklin, who underscored the importance of public spaces that bring people together.

One of the playground’s most beloved features is the fire truck play structure, a tribute to dedication of first responders from Virginia-Highland’s Station 19, the oldest active fire station in Atlanta. It’s a favorite among kids and a meaningful symbol of our appreciation for those who serve and protect our community.

This anniversary is a chance to reflect on how parks and public spaces thrive when people step up. Virginia-Highland has a long tradition of protecting and enhancing its shared spaces, from stopping the freeway that once threatened this land to our ongoing work to preserve and enhance John Howell Park today.

As we celebrate 20 years of play, connection, and community, we’re reminded that spaces like this only remain strong when we continue to care for them—together.